ENGLISH
REFERENCE

madame

n. countable
B1 Intermediate US //ˈmædəm// UK //mˈædəm// madame

n. a polite way to address or talk about a woman, especially in a formal setting. It is the French word for 'Mrs.' but is often used in English for women of high status.

n. a title or form of address used for a woman, particularly one of French-speaking origin or high social rank. Often used as a formal equivalent to 'Madam' or 'Mrs.' in diplomatic or high-fashion contexts.


SIMPLE

Madame, your table is ready now.

CONTEXTUAL

The boutique owner, a sophisticated woman known simply as Madame, personally greeted every client who entered the shop.

COMPLEX

In the formal hierarchy of the 19th-century court, specific protocols dictated when a lady should be addressed as Madame rather than by her hereditary title.

Usage

When used as a title before a name, it is capitalized. In English, it is frequently associated with French culture or professional roles like 'Madame Chairperson'.

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